Studies/Études : Does rural residence limit access to mental health services?

Source: Rural and Remote Health.
"Rural residence may reduce access to specialized mental health services. The objective of this study was to examine the role of rural residence in relation to service utilization. Using Canadian data collected in 2002, service use was examined as a function of the presence of anxiety or mood disorders and rural/urban residence."

"Conclusions: The notion that rural residence limits access to mental health services was not supported. Other demographic and health status indicators such as age, sex, race, education, distress, and type of illness were more important predictors of service utilization. However, null findings related to geographic residence must be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample of rural residents who sought mental health services."

Hardy C, Kelly KD, Voaklander D. (2011). Does rural residence limit access to mental health services? Rural and Remote Health 11: 1766. (Online)

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WWW: www.rrh.org.au